ACC ~ 1 John 1 v4

SHARING IN THIS JOY. AUGUSTINE: The disciples saw the Lord in the flesh, and they heard his words, which they made known to us. We have also heard but have not seen. Are we less happy than they, who both saw and heard? No, for John goes on to say that the reason for his preaching is that we might share in their fellowship. TEN HOMILIES ON 1 JOHN 1.3.

THAT OUR JOY MAY BE COMPLETE. HILARY OF ARLES: The fullness of joy comes when we are in fellowship with the apostles, as well as of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. INTRODUCTORY COMMENTARY ON 1 JOHN.

JOY IN FELLOWSHIP. BEDE: The joy of all teachers is complete when by their preaching they bring many into the fellowship of the holy church and also into the fellowship of God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ, through whom the church is strengthened and grows. ON 1 JOHN.

THE SOWER IS HAPPY TO HAVE REAPERS. THEOPHYLACT: John says that having his hearers as fellow participants in the grace of eternal life will make him and the other disciples happy in the same way that a sower is happy to have the reapers alongside him on the day of harvest. COMMENTARY ON 1 JOHN.